January 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Nokia Lumia 920 vs Nokia Lumia 820

Hardly comparable I hear you say? to a point yes; but there are some significant differences between the two siblings. Naturally the 920 will be far more superior in certain areas which is to be expected; as it is the ‘top end’  device after all. I am going to briefly compare the differences and the similarities between these two Nokia WP8 Smartphones to help gain a clearer picture for potential users.

Firstly I would like to point out that both the 920 & 820 are in fact operating on the same chipsets (Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon; Adreno 220 GPU). the CPU’s are both Dual-core; and again both are clocked at 1.5GHz and feature 1GB of RAM.

As mentioned previously – both devices are operating on the same chipsets but the 920 still holds the advantage when it comes to speed and all round general smoothness. The 920 features a PureMotion HD+ (increases the refresh rate of the physical screen itself to match up with the 60 frames per second, thereby reducing blur) display, as well as ClearBlack (reduces reflections on the screen and improves visual image quality, especially outdoors). The 820 does not feature PureMotion HD+ therefore it lacks that extra bit of smoothness that the 920 has when it comes to the general speed of the interface operation.

In terms of size; the 920 is significantly larger and weighs approximately 25g more than its predecessor. I personally feel that the 820 feels a lot more natural to hold as the 920 is a fair bit wider and feels some what awkward to hold. Both the 920 & 820 have a polycarbonate finish that really confirm the quality of build of both handsets.

Another issue or let’s say big difference would be the on board memory between the two. The 820 only has an internal memory of up to 8GB but features an expansion slot that can add up to 32GB to your device (albeit on a microSD card of course). The 920 features a generous 32GB of internal memory (7GB of Cloud storage) BUT does not have an expansion slot. Not a massive disadvantage as I guess Windows are trying to push people to the Cloud; but perhaps a slight inconvenience?

Nokia have really produced a very technical line with the Lumia series. The camera tech being one feature that really stands out. Both handsets have excellent photography capabilities; especially for a Smartphone. Both handsets feature 8MP primary cameras with 1080p video capture and both feature Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus & dual LED-flash. The 920 has a few extra features that make it that extra bit special with optical image stabilization and of course the PureView technology.

Using advanced floating lens technology, the PureView camera in the Nokia Lumia 920 takes in five times more light than competing smartphones without using flash, making it possible to capture the best pictures and videos even at night.

So, there you have it, the main differences between the two have been ironed out -fairly significant wouldn’t you say? screen size, screen resolution, storage and of course the superior PureView camera Technology on the Lumia 920. It’s clear that the Lumia 920 is the better option if money is not an issue but that’s not to say that the Lumia 820 is not a good handset. The 820 is a very strong mid range device (if you can call it that) for those that want to stay under the £400 bracket. We want to hear what handset you have opted for and whether this comparison has swayed your opinion/decision at all?

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December 21, 2012 By 1 Comment

Nokia Lumia 820 vs HTC 8S

We’re going to compare these two mid range Windows Phone 8 devices. Who has won the battle between the Nokia Lumia 820 & the HTC 8S? we’ll leave it up to you to decide..

OS: Both devices are operating on the latest windows OS; Windows Phone 8. There isn’t too much to draw between the two when it comes to the operating system.

Processor: The two handsets are both running on Qualcomm Series 4 (S4) dual-core chipsets. There is a notable difference with the speed of the processors, the 8S is clocked at 1GHz with 512MB of RAM where the Lumia 820 is a lot faster at 1.5GHz with 1GB of RAM. The difference in processing speed will be a huge deciding factor for many as the difference will be quite noticeable when gaming and running numerous apps at the same time.

Display: The Nokia Lumia 820 features a 4.3-inch AMOLED screen with an 800×480 pixel resolution and 217 pixels-per-inch (PPI) along with their latest technology ‘ClearBlack’ which enhances both contrast and black and dark colour depth. The HTC 8S features a 4-inch super LCD screen with a 800×480 pixel resolution, the 8S has a higher pixel density at 233 (PPI). There really isn’t too much to chose between these two displays as the difference is hardly significant.

Storage: The internal storage may be an issue for some; the Lumia 820 has a capacity of 8GB compared to that of the HTC 8S that only offers 4GB. Both devices have expandable storage for up to 32GB.

Camera: Let’s not forget that these are mid range Smartphones; so the tech won’t be up there with the likes of the SGS3 & the HTC One X (Plus). The Lumia 820 definitely steals the march on the HTC 8S when it comes to camera quality. The 820 features a 8-megapixel camera with the high quality Carl Zeiss lens and dual LED flash along with 1080p video capture. The HTC 8S comes with a 5-megapixel camera along with the standard features but only 720p video capture. There’s only one winner here.

Design: The Lumia 820 (123.8 mm x 68.5 mm x 9.9 mm) is slightly larger than the HTC 8S (120.5 x 63 x 10.28 mm) and is approximately 50 grams heavier. Both devices have rounded edges and a smooth finish. The 820 naturally feels bulkier in the hand compared to that of the 8S but it does come down to personal preference of course.

Conclusion: Personally I feel that the Lumia 820 is the clear winner, Nokia have just edged it with the higher spec and camera qualities. If it came down to the value then the HTC 8S would clearly be the better option – but in terms of overall quality; the Lumia 820 has stolen the mid-range crown!

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December 12, 2012 By 1 Comment

Windows Phone 8: the third wheel or a genuine contender?

The growing popularity of Android and iOS has some people worried that we are facing an era of mobile monopoly, but with two major players dominating the market. It is hard to judge if this is a big problem because having two companies dominating is not a constrictive situation in most industries.

In the mobile industry, however, it means that the best apps, accessories and news coverage will gravitate towards those two platforms and this puts the others at a disadvantage which is not easy to recover from. With RIM struggling to bring relevance to the BlackBerry platform, we are left with Microsoft to try to break the stranglehold that Google and Apple have at this time.

I have spent the past week working with Windows Phone and come to some conclusions as to where it is at currently, what could be improved and what potential it has.

[Read more...]

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December 12, 2012 By 1 Comment

Nokia Lumia 100% recyclable packaging

Unsealed boxes and loose accessories

We haven’t yet posted unboxing videos for the new Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 Windows Phone 8 devices although they will be on their way soon. One thing we will cover but want to mention before we post them due to some concerned questions from customers is the lack of a seal on the box and the loose accessories.

In a world where it seems almost everything comes wrapped in plastic multiple times or blister packed for the sake of retail aesthetics it is actually quite refreshing that Nokia have opted for a 100% recyclable approach with their new flagship devices. Although designed well with compartments and dividers to house each separate item, it is initially a little jarring to see no seal and the accessories just sat loose in the box; a few customers have been worried enough to ask if we are shipping second hand products! We can assure you that all of our stock, unless explicitly stated on the product page, is always brand new and direct from the official licensed distributor.

Considering some of the ecological worries there are about the mass production of modern technology and gadgets, it is good to see that a top end manufacturer is making some inroads towards the issue. Dutch manufacturer Philips also spring to mind who began a campaign of 100% recyclable packaging many years ago. Below are a few pictures to clarify how the Nokia Lumia 920 should look when it arrives. The only issue is that you need to be careful when you first hold the box – due to the box design and lack of a seal, the phone can slide straight out when the box is held upright. The last thing you want is for your brand new Lumia to hit the floor before you even turn it on!

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December 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

JBL PowerUp Wireless Charging Speaker Black for Nokia now available

We have now received the first stock of the JBL PowerUp Wireless Charging Speaker Black for Nokia and boy what a great accessory this is.

One of the first accessories to make use of the Qi wireless charging built into the new Lumia range, the JBL PowerUp speaker offers superb sound with a tangle-free setup, whilst charging your device at the same time.

IMG_20121204_150610IMG_20121204_150850

 

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November 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Nokia Lumia 820 Windows Phone–Now In Stock

imageThe first stock of the Nokia Lumia 820 running Windows Phone 8 has arrived.

You can order yourself a Lumia 820, which is SIM free and 4G capable for just £399.98.

Other features include:

  • Exchangeable Covers
  • 4.3” WVGA ClearBlack display
  • Wireless charging (via exchangeable cover)
  • 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual core processor
  • Nokia City Lens augmented reality
  • Super Sensitive Touch’8GB Internal Storage
  • NFC (via exchangeable cover)
  • MicroSD Slot

Pick up a Nokia Lumia 820 today by CLICKING HERE.

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November 26, 2012 By

Nokia Lumia 820 black in stock tomorrow, white arriving Friday

We are pleased to announce that we will have UK, SIM-free stock of the Nokia Lumia 820 black arriving tomorrow. The white variant is due to be in stock on Friday.

This is the first stock of the 820 to arrive with us. We will be shipping outstanding orders tomorrow and also have some stock available for new orders. We’re also due to receive a limited amount of Nokia Lumia 920 stock next Wednesday.

Here’s a reminder of the main features that the Lumia 820 has to offer:

Features of Nokia Lumia 820
  • Windows Phone 8 Operating System
  • Exchangeable Covers
  • 4.3” WVGA ClearBlack display
  • Wireless charging (via exchangeable cover)
  • 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual core processor
  • Nokia City Lens augmented reality
  • Super Sensitive Touch’8GB Internal Storage
  • NFC (via exchangeable cover)
  • MicroSD Slot
What’s in the Box of the Nokia Lumia 820
  • Nokia Lumia 820
  • Nokia AC-50 MicroUSB Charger
  • Nokia Charging and Data Cable CA-190CD
  • Nokia Headset WH-208
  • Product User Guide
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November 22, 2012 By

SIM-free Nokia Lumia 820 Black & White arriving next week

We have now had confirmation that SIM-free stock of the Nokia Lumia 820 will be arriving next week and will be priced at £333.32 (£399.98). We will have both black and white units available.

The first stock is due to be here Thursday 29th November, so if all goes to plan orders will ship by the end of next week.

Orders will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re interested in having a handset we advise placing an order as soon as possible as stock is limited as it was with the Lumia 920. Click here to place an order for the Lumia 820. 

The Lumia 820 stock that arrives will be unlocked and SIM-free. It’s also 4G/LTE compatible. The frequencies that the Lumia 820 operates on are as follows:

GSM: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz

3G/HSPA: 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz

4G/LTE: 800 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600

The Lumia 820 comes with a charging shell to match the colour of the handset. So black will come with a black charging shell and white with a white charging shell. However, the wireless charging mat will need to be purchased separately.

Differing from its older sibling, the Lumia 820 comes with microSD expansion. This means the 8GB on board memory can be boosted by another 32GB. Due to its smaller size it is also 25g lighter, although the screen is only .2 inches smaller, measuring 4.3” as opposed to 4.5” on the 920. The 820 also features the same Windows Phone 8 enhancements as the 920, such as Nokia Maps and Nokia City Lens.

Nokia 820 main features

  • Windows Phone 8 Operating System
  • Exchangeable Covers
  • 4.3” WVGA ClearBlack display
  • Wireless charging (via exchangeable cover)
  • 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual core processor
  • Nokia City Lens augmented reality
  • Super Sensitive Touch’8GB Internal Storage
  • NFC (via exchangeable cover)
  • MicroSD Slot
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November 16, 2012 By

Nokia Smart Shoot

Always get the best picture with Nokia Smart Shoot

Nokia have long included some very high quality cameras on their smartphones, combining top end lens technology from Carl Zeiss with impressive image stabilisation. With the newest Lumia 920 and 820 devices (of which the 920 camera has been widely praised in reviews) Nokia have added a new feature called Smart Shoot.image

Smart Shoot will actually take a short burst of pictures instead of just one. You can then review these images and Smart Shoot will pick out and highlight moving objects and differences. The resulting mash up you can create is a mix that never really occurred but is the best final image. Taking a group photo and someone gets distracted and looks away as you take the shot? Then you can replace them with one where they were looking at the camera. Someone runs across the picture as you take it? Just delete them from it!

You do have to keep the phone very still as you take the picture otherwise the background will get distorted but there’s no doubting that the feature works very well. A quick YouTube search will bring up some real life examples such as a car driving past as someone takes a shot and it can be easily removed. Smart Shoot may not be a deal breaker for anyone deciding on a new phone but for the camera enthusiast it’s a great feature and a worthy addition to the already outstanding camera feature set on the Lumia 920.

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November 9, 2012 By

Nokia Lumia 820 Windows Phone User Manual/User Guide

Official Nokia Lumia 820 user guide

Click the icon below to open the official Nokia user manual for the Lumia 820 Windows Phone.

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